Valedictorian Craig Zebell twirls Betty Phillips.

After requisite big band sounds put senior guests “In the Mood,” Union High School Rotary Interact Club brought out more modern moves — cha-cha slide, twist, “YMCA” from disco days and cupid shuffle, with some Everly Brothers and Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” to slow it down after a polka or chicken dance.
Interact’s first senior dance from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the DUHS media center cost $3 because it benefited two causes — care packages for local National Guard Charlie Troop 126 in Afghanistan and bio-sand filters for the Dominican Republic, which is Interact’s international service project under charter President Lauren Krueger, co-salutatorian with another Interacter, Emily Smith.
Some seniors are better known as musicians than dancers, such as Betty Phillips, who plays tambourine in the Council on Aging band with Ruth McDonald, who sings and plays kazoo.
Being back at DUHS reminds Ruth of when she was a poll worker for elections.
“I’m so disappointed there aren’t more people here,” McDonald said.
Carlotta Curtis came from Eagle’s Wood.
“We were talking about it at church this morning, so I thought more were coming. I try to get out and do as much as I can. I came to the (DUHS senior citizen) luncheon on Wednesday. I do a lot over at Forest Glen. I’m always looking for something to do and, with it getting warmer, the TV and computer go by the wayside.”
Curtis is looking forward to the May 5 opening of the COA’s Front Street Crossing.
Betty Taggart retired in 1993 after 46 years with Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co.
“I just came for the music,” Taggart said.
“I saw it in the paper first, then I got a letter. It’s too bad there aren’t more people here. I used to go to the big bands when they came.”